Support for church to continue delivering health services

THE Oil Search Foundation (OSF) will continue to support the Evangelical church of Papua New Guinea (ECPNG) to deliver health services in Southern Highlands after the partnership agreement was renewed.
Faith-based and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a critical role in this effort through a church health partnership agreement with the National Government.
Development and private sector organisations also support the Government to deliver services by partnering and supporting provincial health authorities (PHAs), church managed and NGO run facilities.
OSF senior health adviser Dr Vincent Pyakalyia said the foundation and Southern Highlands PHA recognised that the church had the resources, skills and expertise, hence, the partnership would reinforce the delivery of effective services.
“OSF will support the ECPNG run health facilities in Kutubu, to ensure services to be provided,” he said.
PHA chief executive officer Dr Joseph Birisi said strategic partnerships with church health organisations were crucial, especially during challenging economic times.
“We have been successful in approving 24 positions through the Department of Personnel Management, for health extension officers, nurses, and community health workers,” he said.